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Few could predict that a chance enrollment in a high school physiology class could change life forever. But for Knoxville natives Elisa Wilhoit Crawford and Matthew Crawford, it did — for romantic reasons rather than academic ones.

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'My favorite part (of the wedding) was seeing the church doors open and watching Elisa walk down the aisle. It was sort of surreal, and I got a little emotional,' groom Matt Crawford said.

Few could predict that a chance enrollment in a high school physiology class could change life forever. But for Knoxville natives Elisa Wilhoit Crawford and Matthew Crawford, it did — for romantic reasons rather than academic ones.

'We went to high school together at Knoxville Catholic High School. The first encounter I remember was her coming up to me in class and trying to flirt with me. I guess you could say it was instant chemistry,' said Matt.

'Matt was very shy in high school. I cheered with his sister and kept telling her how cute I thought her brother was,' remembered Elisa.

Not long after Elisa approached Matt in physiology class, the two went on a double date. 'We went to Gatti's for dinner. Don't laugh, we were in high school,' said Elisa.

'I remember being very nervous, especially since she was a grade above me. I also learned of her love for Mr. Gatti's pizza that day, which is still her favorite food,' added Matt. Later that year, the two went to Elisa's senior prom together, and their decade-long romance began.

Over the next eight years, Elisa and Matt stuck together through life's celebrations and challenges, including through college at the University of Tennessee and while Matt attended his first year of pharmacy school in Memphis. 'We dated for a really long time, so we have a lot of fun memories together. In college, Matt was in Phi Sigma Kappa and I was in Tri Delta and we loved going to date parties together. Now instead of date parties, we have a lot of weddings!' said Elisa. 'The best thing we have in common is that we both bleed orange!'

By the summer of 2014, a little over eight years after their first prom, Matt planned his perfect proposal to Elisa. Elisa's family was headed to the beach the following week, planning to leave Saturday. As Elisa finished packing that morning, her dad called to say that the trip had been postponed a day. That night, Matt took advantage of the extra night and took Elisa to dinner at their favorite restaurant, Savelli's. After, they went for a walk in UT Gardens. 'Of course in the back of my mind I hoped it was the night, but I didn't want to get my hopes up,' said Elisa. Then Matt took her hand and led her under an awning. 'He squeezed my hand and said, 'I'm the reason you didn't leave for the beach today.' Of course I said 'Yes!''

Matt and Elisa said 'I do' on June 20, 2015 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in front of over 300 friends and family. 'Our wedding was very special. I wish I could relive it over and over again!' said Elisa. 'My favorite part was seeing the church doors open and watching Elisa walk down the aisle. It was sort of surreal, and I got a little emotional,' said Matt. Following a reception at the Foundry, the newlyweds left for their honeymoon to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

As they settle into married life, they're enjoying learning new things about each other. 'It is cool to come home from work to the love of your life every day. At the same time, we have had to learn to deal with each other's little pet peeves,' said Matt.

The Crawfords currently live in Knoxville, where they both work at the family business, Mac's Pharmacy. Matt is a pharmacist, and Elisa is the director of marketing.

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